Following Real Madrid’s 3-1 Champions League play-off round second leg victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night, Jude Bellingham revealed his most “talented and gifted” teammate – and, surprisingly, it wasn’t one of the usual headline-grabbers in Los Blancos’ never-ending pursuit of silverware.
Real Madrid swept through the city like a runaway train under the Bernabeu lights, pushed by Bellingham’s tireless motor and hat-trick heroics from Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman tormented Pep Guardiola’s squad, sending them on an early European vacation after a night they’d rather forget. While the Spanish giants have a multitude of superstars, Bellingham took time in his CBS interview to recognise a player who usually works in the shadows.
Real Madrid’s starting lineup boasts individual quality, including Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinícius Junior, who are all competing for the Ballon d’Or in October. However, as any football fan knows, the unseen heroes – the glue people, the quiet architects – are typically the ones who distinguish a group of stars from a truly excellent club.
Jude Bellingham Heaps Praise on Rodrygo
The Brazilian is finally getting the recognition he deserves
After the game, Thierry Henry asked Bellingham about Rodrygo in an interview with CBS Sports. The Englishman said that he is the most gifted player in the club, ahead of other superstars. “Rodrygo is so underestimated, you know? “For me, he’s probably the most talented and gifted player on the team,” Bellingham remarked (video below).
“I think the things he can do with the football; we’ll be messing around, and he’ll flick the ball up somehow, and you’re like: ‘How’d he do that?” I’m attempting to do so. I’m twisting my ankles and everything like that. It’s a pleasure to play with both of them [Rodrygo and Mbappe]. You place them in situations where they can influence the game, and they will win it for you.
“I believe Rodrygo is the one who makes the greatest sacrifices. It’s obvious that his preferred position is on the left. It’s worth noting that he contributes significantly to the team’s defence on the right side, which isn’t his preferred position. But he never complains; he simply gets on with it, and that is how we must continue.”
Rodrygo getting his flowers from Henry and Jude, you love to see it.pic.twitter.com/qWVYsAu6Jb
— Druchk (@andruchk) February 19, 2025
Rodrygo’s Incredible Stats vs. Man City
His performance was one of the most well-rounded by anyone in recent memory
Under the Bernabeu lights, Rodrygo delivered a masterpiece, topping the rankings in three crucial criteria. During his unrelenting 90-minute shift, the Brazilian dynamo drew three fouls, had a perfect 100% pass completion percentage, and won ten duels – each one a match high. These statistics, however, were only the tip of the iceberg in an outstanding achievement. See his stats and highlights below:
Rodrygo’s match statistics versus Man City
Minutes played
90
Pass accuracy
100% (31/31)
Duels won
10
Touches in the opposition box.
6
Possessions retrieved.
4
Successful tackles
4
Assists
1
Chances created
3
Fouls drawn.
3
Rodrygo vs Man City (H)@RodrygoGoes
pic.twitter.com/SNyDMM98AW— •🕸• (@ViggeComps) February 20, 2025
The 24-year-old, who has remained on Liverpool’s radar since leaving for Spain in 2018, was a sensation. It was a commanding performance from a winger desperate to show his worth alongside his star-studded teammates. His midweek assist increased his season tally to 12 goals and nine assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
